For the past three years, Kideney has participated in ”Earth Day” activities to help support our local environmental organizations. This year on April 22, 2012, Kideney put together a popcorn sale. Each bag cost $2 and the donations went to Grow WNY.  Last year we sold “Earth Day” cookies and the year before, several of Kideney’s employees rode their bikes to work. I wonder what we’ll think of for next year!

What did you do on “Earth Day?”

Upscale homes are very common, but are not the limit.

Sports venues are very common places for its use

 

An on the beach look at the possiblities.

We can accomplish so much more with the use of products like NanaWall. This includes incorporating student learning beyond the enclosed classroom, street-scape shopping and interaction where pedestrians can simply walk from the sidewalk directly into a store without having to squeeze past others. Apartments on the 15^th story would also allow tenants to feel less confined; a tendency of high-rise structures. These are just some of the many uses for NanaWall.

Ventilation is another matter and I expect it is approached in a different manner depending upon the design and use of a system like this. To me, it seems like this system would offer many solutions to the common design concerns that arise when considering the connection between spaces. The ongoing movement towards “reduce and reuse” is reflected in this product as well. Spaces can be created in closer proximity to one another because of the locality of the system and the flexibility it offers. This flexiblity includes things like connecting backyards, courtyards, patioscapes, and elevated spaces. Minimizing the building footprint is a direct result of the system because space is saved between the indoor and outdoor areas.

Most of these products, NanaWall in particular, are structurally sound, energy efficient, design flexible, and sustainable in production. The most common concern, however, is the durability standard, given the nature of its structure. Will the product bow or give way to a lateral force? The NanaWall in particular works on a two-track system at the top and bottom of the panels. It is the connection between panels and structure of the track system that have allowed the product to be forced entry resistant. It also holds and/or succeeds the standards for water penetration, air infiltration, and solar heat gain. Check out the NanaWall website for products and visuals.

Talk about sustainable reuse and recycle! What would you think if someone told you that they designed a home using the many parts of a 747 airplane? Through the work of David Hertz Architects, they have shown us that the impossible is now possible.

In Malibu, California the co-owner of a Mercedes car dealership retained David Hertz Architects and requested that the design of their new home portray both curvilinear and feminine shapes. After researching and superimposing the structure of an airplane wing into their design plans, it became apparent to the designer that the concept of using the wing as a roof system was very probable as it actually required very little vertical support. As we all know, airplane wings are very durable structures and can store fuel. They cantilever off of the body of the plane, therefore, their internal support structure has to withstand its own weight, of course, relying on the support of the body of the plane itself.

Instead of allowing decommissioned planes to sit in an empty desert until their principal raw material is sold off over time, why not use it for reuse purposes? Not only were the wings of a 747 used in this design, but also former engine cowlings; those big cylindrical pieces hanging underneath the wings; which were used to create a zen-like fountain in the yard.

For more information check out the April 2012 issue of Architectural Record, or Wing House.

The recent groundbreaking of the proposed Emergency Department addition at Kenmore Mercy Hospital will truely benefit not only the community but also the entire emergency care network. I was in attendance for the exciting ceremony and felt proud to be a part of the project team, having worked on both construction design and documents.

For more information, please check out Catholic Health’s website.

Be sure to check out this video, Mockett at NeoCon – Levity, and view the company’s webpage for more info on Levity, the newest form of task lighting.

Image courtesy of TreeHugger.com

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With the Super Bowl approaching, here are a few tips to be green whether you are hosting or attending a party.

1. Sending Invites

Try to use alternate methods instead of paper and mail like sending text messages, E-vites, or creating an event on Facebook. Not only will the invite be digital, so will your guests replies!

2. Diningware and Cutlery

Try using your own plates, silverware, serving dishes, and glasses then washing them on an efficient dishwasher setting at night while you are sleeping. Running the dishwasher at night when most of your electric is running very low will apply less stress on the grid and your wallet. Also, let the dishes air dry by turning off the hot dry setting and opening the door.

3. Food and Drinks

Try to find recipes online that are healthy and use items you can get from local shops. Try to also purchase large containers of soda, water, or any other beverage to reduce the number of small bottles. If not possible, make sure you have a good plan to collect, rinse, and recycle all finished beverage containers.

4. Clean up

Try to send your guests home with leftovers so no food goes to waste. When cleaning up try to use eco-friendly cleaning supplies and make sure all recyclables make it to the recycle bin or your local bottle return.

Here are the Top 6 Exercise and Standing Desks to help get you moving:

• Walkstation by Steelcase
• GeekDesk Verison 2.0
• FitDesk
• TrekDesk Treadmill Desk
• Crescendo C2 Maximus Standing Desk by Stilvoll
• Kickstand Desk

For more information on all these desks please visit http://inhabitat.com/top-6-exercise-and-standing-desks-to-get-you-in-shape-while-you-work/